La Maison du Chocolat’s Christmas collection, "Vents de NOËL," captures the magic of travel with two exclusive recipes: "Ganache Bali," made with Bali cacao, and "Praliné Noix & Vanille," featuring chocolate and walnuts. Housed in a beautifully designed box with a night train illustration, this set includes both limited-edition and classic favourites—perfect for gifting or enjoying this Christmas.
Christmas is just around the corner, and in Japan, it’s a magical time filled with twinkling lights, delicious treats, and cozy, festive vibes. While Christmas isn't a religious holiday for most Japanese people—and it’s not even a public holiday—it's still a season brimming with charm and delightful surprises. For anyone who has ever celebrated Christmas according to Western traditions, Christmas in Japan feels like entering a different world of holiday fun and excitement.
A Romantic Christmas
In Japan, Christmas isn’t about big family gatherings or religious traditions. Instead, it’s a time for romance and fun with friends. The streets are lit up with illuminations, shops are decked out in festive decor, and couples treat Christmas Eve like a winter Valentine’s Day. Fancy dinners, gift exchanges, and romantic strolls through light displays are the go-to activities for lovebirds. Meanwhile, New Year’s is the time for family, making the Christmas-New Year holiday swap a fascinating cultural twist.
Culinary Traditions: Fried Chicken and Cake
In many Western countries, Christmas dinner isn’t complete without turkey. However, in Japan, fried chicken takes the spotlight—especially from KFC. Turkeys are rare in Japan, making traditional Christmas turkey meals impractical. In the 1970s, a KFC advertisement cleverly linked fried chicken with Christmas, sparking a tradition that persists to this day. The popularity of KFC during Christmas is so immense that people often pre-order their meals weeks in advance.
For those who miss out, supermarkets and department stores offer roasted chicken legs or whole chickens as alternatives, ensuring everyone can partake in this unique custom.
No Japanese Christmas is complete without a strawberry shortcake. For many Japanese children, Christmas is synonymous with indulging in these delightful treats. Shops begin taking orders as early as December, and no bakery would dare skip creating festive cakes during this period. Strawberry shortcakes have become symbolic of Christmas in Japan, thanks to their red and white colours that perfectly capture the holiday spirit. Some families even engage in the fun tradition of decorating pre-made cakes at home on Christmas Eve, fostering creativity and family bonding. These culinary customs have become integral to Japan’s Christmas culture, offering a delectable twist to traditional celebrations.
Festive Destinations
For an unforgettable Christmas in Japan, visiting Tokyo Disneyland is a must. The park transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Christmas-themed parades, shows, and decor, making it the perfect spot for celebrating Christmas. Another popular destination is Japan’s Christmas markets, where European-style stalls sell crafts, mulled wine, and festive snacks. These markets, located in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, run throughout December and offer a delightful way to soak up the Christmas spirit.
The Charm of Christmas Limited Editions
As November rolls around, Japan transforms into a winter wonderland, with streets and shopping centres dressed in dazzling lights, towering Christmas trees, and cheerful festive music. A highlight of this magical season is the much-loved Christmas limited editions, known as Christmas Coffrets (クリスマスコフレ). These exclusive seasonal products are a cherished tradition, exciting locals and visitors alike, and have become a cornerstone of Japan’s Christmas culture.
Christmas coffrets are specially curated gift sets, typically from beauty, confectionery, or lifestyle brands, released exclusively for the holiday season. These sets are presented in stunning, festive packaging and often include a variety of items, such as makeup, skincare, or sweets. Their limited availability makes them highly coveted, with pre-orders starting as early as November. Many popular coffrets sell out quickly, and securing one without an advance reservation can be a challenge.
What Makes Them Special?
Japanese brands go all out to create packaging that captures the enchantment of Christmas. Aside from the packaging, brands often introduce exclusive seasonal colours and fragrances. These items are only available during Christmas, so they hold a special allure for shoppers.
Christmas coffrets are also known for their excellent value. They typically bundle multiple products at a price lower than buying each item separately. Many sets also include miniature versions of popular products, allowing customers to try something new without committing to a full-sized item. These features make coffrets perfect for gifting, whether it’s a thoughtful treat for yourself or a luxurious present for a loved one.
Christmas Limited Edition Product Recommendations
To help you navigate the season, here’s a selection of Christmas coffret recommendations. Whether you’re shopping for someone special or treating friends and family, these products are sure to delight.
Chocolate & Sweets
Premium Belgian chocolates, ideal for a sophisticated festive gift.
The Godiva Winter Wonders Tree Selection (10 pieces) is the perfect festive treat, inspired by the Winter Wonders Christmas market in Brussels. Upon opening the beautifully designed green tree-shaped box, you'll find the new 2024 holiday-exclusive Milk Chocolate Cube and White Snowflake, offering the rich flavours of classic Belgian chocolate. This charming selection makes an ideal gift, adding a touch of Christmas magic to any celebration.
Exquisite French chocolates for a touch of luxury.
Known for its tulip-shaped confections, this Japanese brand was founded by a celebrated pastry chef.
Tulip Rose Christmas Garden Treat yourself or a loved one to the festive flavours of the Tulip Rose Christmas Garden, a delightful collection of seasonal treats. This beautiful set includes 7 pieces, featuring a mix of rich and indulgent flavours: Tulip Rose Berry, Caramel Nut, Pistachio, Rose Garden Cassis Vanilla, Cardamom Lemon, and two Tulip Rose Financiers.
A prestigious Japanese fruit store established in 1885, famous for its fruit parfaits and other fruity delights.
This Strawberry Delight Square Cake is topped with a generous layer of vibrant red strawberries, creating a striking festive look. Inside, half-cut strawberries are layered on a soft, moist sponge, sandwiched with more strawberries. The cake is covered in smooth whipped cream and finished with a beautiful red berry topping, adding an elegant touch. Perfect for a sweet and festive celebration!
Cosmetics
While many Christmas-themed cosmetic sets can be quite pricey, there are affordable yet equally charming options available.
Beloved for its crystal-diamond packaging and princess-inspired designs, this brand is a favourite in Japan.
A French designer brand, admired for its whimsical cat and dog illustrations and signature chrysanthemum logo.
The NOEL Gift Selection VII is a limited-edition holiday set featuring a versatile "アイデザイン パレット 01" eyeshadow palette with four colours, a classical gauze handkerchief with charming cat illustrations, and a 15ml sample of Treatment Body Milk for a spa-like experience at home. The set comes with festive wrapping, making it an ideal gift. (Please note: wrapping shown in the image is not included, but can be added for an extra ¥460). Perfect for a luxurious and thoughtful Christmas gift.
A Japanese brand specialising in honey-based skincare and health foods, offering a unique and indulgent gift option.
The HACCI 2024 Holiday Collection features luxurious items perfect for the season, including a Honey Royal Milk Tea-scented body cream, mini body wash, hand cream, a collagen drink, and popular nut chocolates. Presented in a festive Christmas shopper, it’s the ideal ready-to-give gift.
A Unique Holiday Experience
Christmas in Japan is magical, with romantic lights, festive treats, exclusive gift sets, and charming destinations. Whether sharing a cake, exploring markets, or spending time with loved ones, it’s a season to remember.
